Giorgio ChielliniItaly defender Giorgio Chiellini feels it will only be after three “key” friendlies they have coming up – starting with today’s clash with Belgium – that the Azzurri will truly know how much they have strengthened since their World Cup debacle.
A rebuilding process has been going on following the team’s exit in the group stages of the tournament in Brazil last summer and boss Cesare Prandelli’s prompt resignation.
Antonio Conte took over and has subsequently guided Italy to qualification for Euro 2016 as Group H winners without suffering a loss in the pool.
There has only been one defeat during his tenure so far – a 1-0 friendly reverse against Portugal in June – and Chiellini has no doubt there has been considerable progress made.
But he has stressed the real indicators of how Italy may fare next summer in France will be the match in Brussels against Belgium, the current top-ranked side in the world, plus further friendlies in March against Spain and Germany, the reigning world champions.
The 31-year-old Juventus player was quoted as telling Italian TV channel Rai Sport: “This team has had a steady growth.
“It was important to achieve the qualification without too much difficulty. We know we can do well, we are experimenting with new solutions and we feel stronger than before.
“But Belgium will be a key test for us, as well as the challenges in the spring against Spain and Germany.
“After these three games we will understand what will be our strength.”
Italy will take on Belgium without Andrea Pirlo, whose international career could be coming to an end.
The 36-year-old has been left out of the squad for this game and next Tuesday’s home clash with Romania, with Conte saying that while he “rate(s) him highly” he has to take the midfielder’s age into account.
Belgium are without their midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who has withdrawn from Marc Wilmots’ squad due to injury.
Wilmots’ side lost one game en route to finishing top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group B, a 1-0 defeat to Wales in June.